Miss Philippines-Earth 2013 runner up shot dead

A 32-year-old teacher and former beauty pageant runner-up was shot dead outside her home in San Manuel, Isabela, on Thursday evening, authorities said.

Lullete Jane Ramilo-De Guzman, a former runner-up in the Miss Philippines-Earth pageant, was killed at about 6:45 PM in Barangay Cabaritan while seated inside her sport utility vehicle with her three children.

Police said the victim's father had stepped out of the vehicle to open the gate to their home when a gunman riding a motorcycle without a license plate entered the area and fired repeatedly at her, says Inquirer.

Ramilo-De Guzman sustained gunshot wounds to her face and side and was declared dead at the scene. Her children were not physically harmed but witnessed the attack.

Major Rogelio Natividad, the town's police chief, said authorities were still working to identify those responsible.

"We have no clear leads yet as to the motive or the suspects. We are processing the evidence and conducting follow-ups," Natividad stated during a phone interview.

He added that investigators are currently pursuing "several possible angles — personal, work-related, or other motives — but have yet to identify suspects".

Police are awaiting a crime laboratory report to determine the firearm used.

Clifford Dela Cruz, the victim's partner, wrote in a Facebook post that the attack may have been motivated by "jealousy or anger over Ramilo-De Guzman's stand against bullying".

The mayor of San Manuel announced a "₱50,000 reward for arrest of beauty queen's killers" to encourage public assistance in the case.

Natividad further "urged residents to report suspicious individuals to authorities to prevent similar incidents" as the investigation continues.

Ramilo-De Guzman was a former Miss San Manuel and received minor awards including Miss Global International and Miss Genuine Person during the 2013 national pageant. She held a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree from the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna-Isabela.

The investigation remains ongoing, police said.